Half term is in full swing and there’s plenty going on in and around Masham! Whether you’re after an autumnal woodland wander, fun activities for little ones or something a little spookier, find out what’s happening from now until the end of October.

Freaky Fungi Fun at the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, Grewelthorpe

Until Sunday 2nd November, 10am–4pm (closed Mondays & Tuesdays)

The Himalayan Garden is in full autumn glory, and their Freaky Fungi Fun trail makes a great excuse to get outdoors. Budding nature detectives can hunt for different types of fungi and learn how they help our environment. There’s even a prize draw for a giant Himalayan Bear!

The Tale of the Loneliest Whale – Masham Town Hall

Tuesday 28th October, 2pm

Hoglets Theatre brings a family friendly musical show to Masham Town Hall this half term. The Tale of the Loneliest Whale tells a gentle story about difference, discovery and the deep blue sea. With songs and a few surprises, it’s a heart warming performance for children aged four and over. Tickets cost £6 from Masham Community Office.

Halloween Fun at Brymor Ice Cream, Near Masham

Until 3rd November

This year’s Halloween Trail at Brymor lets children find hidden letters for a chance to win a £20 voucher, while their craft mornings run until 29th October for £2 per child. On Halloween itself, families can come in fancy dress and share costume photos online for a prize. Seasonal ice cream flavours and hot drinks are also available.

Autumn Adventure Cruises on the Ripon Canal

Until Sunday 2nd November, 10am–4pm (every 40 minutes)

Take a relaxing half-hour Autumn Adventure Cruise along the scenic Ripon Canal. Designed with no scary surprises, the trip is suitable for all ages, including under-twos who travel free. Children can spot autumn animals, solve simple clues along the way and win a small prize at the end. Boats depart every 40 minutes throughout the day.

Spooky Happenings at Ripon Museums

Ripon Workhouse Museum – Friday 31st October & Saturday 1st November

There’s a touch of Halloween magic at Ripon Museums this week. On Friday, families can join Ghost Hunters! to make ghost goo, hear spooky stories and hunt for ghosts in the Workhouse. Meanwhile, on Saturday, there will be a theatrical performance of All Hallows at the Workhouse. Suitable for ages 12+ and included with museum entry.

Monk Park Farm – Wizard Academy, Piglet Snuggling & Halloween Fun

27th October – 2nd November, from 10am

Monk Park Farm is full of autumn fun this half term. The Wizard Academy offers broomstick lessons, wand-making, potion classes, Squidditch, the Tough Wizard Tournament and graduation, all included with farm admission. Little ones can also enjoy Piglet Snuggling sessions, while the Great Yorkshire Pumpkin Patch lets children pick and carve pumpkins, play carnival games and take seasonal photos.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Near Ripon

Crafting with Henshaws: 29th & 30th October 10.30am–3.30pm
Fountains by Floodlight: 25th, 26th, 31st October & 1st November

Fountains Abbey is beautiful in autumn and perfect for family visits. Children can join local charity Henshaws at Swanley Grange to make their own hanging autumn leaf wreaths, sketching and colouring leaves before assembling them into a seasonal decoration. Later in the week, Fountains by Floodlight offers a magical evening experience with glowing ruins, shadowed archways, choral music, and seasonal refreshments. Combined with the abbey’s Georgian water gardens, historic ruins and resident deer, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.

Ripon Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch & Trail

Pumpkin Trail: from Saturday 25th Oct & Pumpkin Patch: 30th – 31st Oct, 10am–2pm

If you’re heading into Ripon, don’t miss the town’s free Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch and Trail. Start with a pumpkin hunt through shop windows, then pick your own pumpkin in Market Square. There’s a friendly scarecrow, photo opportunities and plenty of community spirit.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Near Bedale

Until 2nd November

Throughout October, Thorp Perrow Arboretum is running a Halloween Trail through the woodland with tombs, skeletons and seasonal surprises. Trail sheets are £3 and include a free gift. Families can also enjoy a Halloween craft stall (27th – 31st October), face painting (until 1st November, fee applies), and daily flying displays at the Bird of Prey Centre. You’ll also find a tearoom serving homemade cakes and a Garden Centre selling plants and gifts.

Frightwater Valley at Lightwater Valley Theme Park

Until Saturday 1st November

Lightwater Valley’s Frightwater Valley event transforms the park into a colourful world of seasonal fun. Families can enjoy friendly clowns, trick-or-treat trails, singalong shows, face painting and a firework finale on Saturday 1st November. It’s designed for younger children, with just enough spooky thrills for older kids.

Masham Library – Green Libraries Week Scavenger Hunt

During half term, for children aged 4–11

Masham Library is joining in Green Libraries Week with a quick and fun indoor activity for children. The scavenger hunt and quiz take around 30 minutes and encourage little ones to think about being eco-friendly – from spotting reusable items in the library to learning why borrowing books is better for the environment. It’s perfect for a short, educational challenge while grown-ups browse or pick up books.

Make the Most of Half Term

Even though half term is already underway, there’s still time to enjoy some seasonal fun! From treasure hunts and crafting to canal cruises and fireworks, our corner of North Yorkshire is full of family adventures – big and small – right through to the end of the week.

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